Introduction
Below is a generic template to complete for your local community. Post it on your website, as a link in your social media profiles and/or as a spoke card for people to leave on their bike. Most communities will not have all of these resources. This is a great opportunity to advocate for additional resources from your town to help fund these victim support resources!
Resources for Cyclists Affected by Traffic Violence
What to do Immediately
- Ensure your safety first - Move to sidewalk or safe area if possible
- Get medical help - Call 911 if you're injured (even minor injuries can worsen)
- Document everything:
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, license plates, and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note weather, road conditions, and time of day
- Collect driver information (if applicable):
- Name, phone number, address
- Driver's license number
- Vehicle make/model/license plate
- Insurance company and policy number
- Report the incident even if it seems minor
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor (some injuries become apparent later)
Reporting the Incident
- EMERGENCY: If in immediate danger or needing urgent medical help, call 911
- NON-EMERGENCY: For incidents that have passed: [Town]'s police non-emergency line: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
- ONLINE REPORTING: Report non-violent incidents at [Town]'s online portal: [website.gov/report]
- HIT-AND-RUN INCIDENTS: Special procedures and investigations may apply - ask for [police unit responsible for hit & run]
- Contact [Town]'s transportation department: [XXX-XXX-XXXX] or [website.gov/transportation] if you notice a dangerous area with frequent incidents:
For incidents that escalate to criminal cases:
- [District / County / City] Attorney Victim Advocate: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
- Victim Rights Information: [website.gov/victims]
MEDICAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- [Town]'s Crisis Reponse Team provides crisis intervention, counseling and victim advocacy: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
- Trauma-Focused Therapy Resources:
- Concussion Assessment & Recovery Center: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
- Physical Therapy Services with Cycling Focus:
- [Town or County] Victim Compensation Fund may be able to assist with expenses: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
LEGAL SUPPORT
Local attorneys specializing in cycling cases:
- [Attorney Name]: [XXX-XXX-XXXX] - [website.com]
- [Attorney Name]: [XXX-XXX-XXXX] - [website.com]
- Bike Law Network: [XXX-XXX-XXXX] - [bikelaw.com]
- Legal Aid Society of [Town]: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
- League of American Bicyclists Legal Resources: bikeleague.org/bike-laws
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
- Return-to-Riding Support contact [website.org] for:
- Monthly Confidence-Building Riding Clinics
- Buddy Riding Program: Connect with experienced cyclists for support
- Adaptive Cycling Resources (for temporary or permanent disabilities)
- Group Rides (slow-paced supportive group rides): [Date @ location]
- Smart Cycling Classes: [bikeleague.org/ridesmart]
- Free Safety Checks: [Bike Shop Name] - Every Saturday, 10am-2pm
- Discounted Safety Gear for Crash Survivors: Helmets, lights, reflective clothing at [Bike Shop Name]
- Register your bike with [Town] police: [website.org]
Get Involved
- Speak at City Council Meeting
- Attend Transportation Committee Meetings: [Date]
- Join [Local Bike Advocacy Group]: [XXX-XXX-XXXX] or [website.org]
- Initiative 1, e.g. Volunteer for Street Safety Audits: [website.org/volunteer]
- Initiative 2, e.g. Vision Zero Initiative: [website.gov/vision-zero]
About Traffic Violence
Traffic violence is not inevitable. It results from preventable factors including unsafe road design, dangerous driving behaviors, and inadequate protection for vulnerable road users. Your experience matters, and sharing it can help create safer streets for everyone.
This guide was created by [Organization Name]. Last updated: [Date]